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1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

The mid-size A-body Chevelle was introduced in 1964 and its market-leading success that followed was attributed to its extensive list of options, attractive styling, and sheer value. Power was initially provided by a number of inline sixes and small-block V8s, but performance fans quickly realized the Chevelle engine bay could accommodate the all-new Mark IV big-block engine developed by Chevrolet in the wake of G.M.'s infamous self-imposed racing ban of 1963. The limited-production Z-16 of 1965 and the racing accomplishments of Malcolm Durham and Dick Harrell quickly established the Chevelle as a formidable competitor.

The mid-1965 Z16 option, produced in limited numbers due to its $1,501 premium, gave the Chevelle a much-needed dose of big-block credibility and swagger. More affordable and equally effective versions followed, and for 1966, the 396 CID Chevelle SS396 became a series of its own, using the upper-level Malibu sport coupe and convertible bodies with upgraded suspensions, reinforced frames, and performance-themed styling and trim, including red-stripe tires, unique emblems and moldings, and simulated hood scoops. The 396 CID V8 delivered power ranging from 325 hp to 375 hp. The SS396 enjoyed unique Chevrolet series status from 1966 through 1968 before returning as an option package from 1969.

The unbridled performance equation of the late 1960s drastically changed the landscape going into the 1970s. General Motors' second-generation A-Body mid-size cars of 1968 through 1972 were among the most successful automobile lines ever produced, with its long-hood and short-deck styling. The Chevrolet Chevelle was redesigned in 1971 that carried through the 1972 model year with only minor changes. In the front, the grille had dual horizontal elements flanked by headlights in square bezels. The chrome bumper with integrated tail lamps carried on out back. 1972 was the final year of the classic Chevelle style prior to the Colonnade faux-hardtop architecture marched through the entire General Motors corporate lineup in 1973.

The upscale Malibus had concealed wipers.

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle photo
Sport Coupe
Chassis #: 1D37H2L554681
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
By 1972, the writing was on the wall for the American muscle car, with stricter government regulations and crippling insurance premiums. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) had begun using the net horsepower rating system, which rated engines with all power accessories operating. Horsepower ratings were down across the industry.

Nevertheless, Chevrolet soldiered on, building big-block engines and continued the use of the legendary Super Sport (SS) option package. Offered in a wide variety of models from the original full-size Impalas to Novas, the late-1960s and early-70s Camaros and, perhaps most notably, the big-block Chevelles, the SS designation symbolized both power and style. Until 1970, the largest engine available in any Chevelle was the 396 cubic-inch Mark IV, but that ended when General Motors responded to widespread condemnation for its displacement limit of 400 CID in its midsize lines by releasing its grip. Capitalizing on this new freedom, the Chevrolet Division shoe-horned the 454 in the Chevelle SS. The Chevelle SS remained available in 1972, offering both notable middle-weight power and a unique decor group. The Chevelle SS454 LS5 with Rochester 4-barrel carburetion had an SAE-adjusted rating of 270 HP at 4,000 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM.

The 402 was a lesser-known engine, partly because Chevrolet continued to market it as a 396 in keeping with popularity and familiarity. This was not exactly misleading buyers, as the 402 was, in fact, a modified 396. From an engineering viewpoint, the differences were minor, but the 402 was a noticeably smoother-running engine than the 396, delivering power in a more linear fashion through the production of greater horsepower and torque at lower RPMs. Additionally, it ran more efficiently, was cleaner, and had better emissions results and higher miles per gallon. Period automotive reviews praised the 402, generally concluding that it delivered a better driving experience than the original 396.

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle photo
SS Convertible
View info and history
The base engine in the 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle was the 250 CID inline-6 with 110 (SAE) horsepower at 3,800 RPM. Chevelles built for California came with the 350 CID V8 with 165 (SAE) horsepower. Federal cars came with either the 250 CID six or the 307 CID two-barrel V8 with 130 horsepower.

Body styles on the 1972 Chevelle included a hardtop coupe, sedan, and a 6- or 9-passenger station wagon. Prices began at $2,640 for the sedan and rose to $3,250 for the 9-passenger station wagon. The Malibu, which added a hardtop sedan and convertible to the list of body styles found on the Chevelle, was priced from $2,800 to $3,350.


by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020

Related Reading : Chevrolet Chevelle History

The Chevelle was introduced on September 26, 1963, as a mid-sized vehicle for the Chevrolet fleet. It was basically a smaller version of the Impala. Muscle cars were associated with small vehicles with low weight and very few amenities but large amounts of horsepower from massive engines. The entire Detroit market had been stricken by creating faster, more vehicles. The Chevelle flirted with this....
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Related Reading : Chevrolet Chevelle History

One of General Motors most successful vehicles, the Chevelle was a mid-sized car that was introduced in 1964 and was produced until 1977. The Chevelle models ranged from economical little family cars to commanding coupes and stunning convertibles. The Malibu was originally the top trim level in the Chevelle line which eventually replaced the Chevelle name entirely after 1977. Based on the reengineered....
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1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1972 Chevelle
$3,135-$37,935
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Price Range: $2,635 - $3,135

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1972 Chevrolet Models
$2,058 - $2,283
$2,375 - $2,400
$2,700 - $3,258
$2,800 - $3,540
$3,370 - $4,165

Chevelle

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
422,893
112.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.00 CID., 140.00hp
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 307.00 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 327.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 327.00 CID., 275.00hp
8 cyl., 396.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 327.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 395.31 CID., 375.00hp
$2,340 - $3,100
455,000
116.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.00 CID., 140.00hp
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 307.00 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 255.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 396.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 396.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 396.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,485 - $3,270
116.00 in.
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 450.00hp
$20,000 - $20,000
354,855
112.00 in., 116.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 307.00 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 360.00hp
8 cyl., 402.00 CID., 375.00hp
$2,540 - $3,700
327,159
112.00 in., 115.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 402.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 365.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,675 - $3,650
49,400
112.00 in., 116.00 in., 125.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 110.00hp
8 cyl., 307.00 CID., 130.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 165.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 175.00hp
8 cyl., 402.00 CID., 240.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 270.00hp
$2,635 - $3,135

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